TTPS gas leak creates panic

About 15 persons were admitted to hospital in serious condition when chlorine gas was leaked from NTPC-owned Talcher Thermal Power station (TTPS) here this afternoon.

Panic has spread among the local villages over the incident. The gas leak is the first such incident in and around Talcher power plant, which has seen spurt in industrial accidents in recent months with authorities trying to step up generation from the unit, locals said.

According to confirmed report, 15 persons consisting of the TTPS employees, contract labourers and the personnel of Central Industrial Security Force became serious after coming into contact with the toxic gas. They were rushed to TTPS hospital immediately. More affected are still getting admitted to the hospital.

The deputy director of factory and boiler H. Sahu said, there was a leakage of chlorine gas from the cylinders in the chlorination plant in the plant and it was arrested. “An investigation will be conducted and action would be taken against the erring officials,” he asserted.